KR101802520B1 - Systems and methods for pre-touch and true touch - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for free touch and true touch have been described. For example, the described system for a pre-touch and true touch includes a touch sensing interface configured to detect user interaction and to transmit a first interface signal based at least in part on user interaction. The system also includes a processor configured to communicate with the touch sensitive interface, receive a first interface signal, and at least partially determine a haptic effect based on the first interface signal. The processor is further configured to preload the haptic signal associated with the haptic effect. The system includes a cache configured to communicate with the processor and to store a preloaded haptic signal for a predetermined period of time and then transmit a haptic signal; A haptic effect generator configured to communicate with the cache, receive a haptic signal from the cache, and output a haptic effect based at least in part on the haptic signal in response to receiving the haptic signal.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PRE-TOUCH AND TRUE TOUCH

This patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 314,337 entitled " Systems and Methods for Free Touch and True Touch, " filed March 16, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference do.

The present invention relates generally to haptic feedback, and more specifically to a system and method for pre-touch and true touch.

Recently, the use of all types of handheld devices has grown rapidly. Such devices are used as portable organizers, telephones, music players, and gaming systems. Many modern, handheld devices now include some form of haptic feedback. In some handheld devices, haptic feedback is not output as fast as reasonably well. Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method of pre-touch and true touch.

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for pre-touch and true touch. For example, in one embodiment, a system for a pre-touch and a true touch includes a touch sensing interface configured to detect a user interaction and to transmit a first interface signal based at least in part on user interaction; A processor configured to communicate with a touch sensing interface and to receive a first interface signal and at least partially determine a haptic effect based on the first interface signal, the haptic effect further comprising: a processor configured to preload the haptic signal associated with the haptic effect; A cache configured to communicate with the processor and store the preloaded haptic signal for a predetermined period of time and then transmit a haptic signal; A haptic effect generator configured to communicate with the cache, receive the haptic signal from the cache, and output the haptic effect based at least in part on the haptic signal.

Such an exemplary system is not intended to limit or define the present invention, but rather to provide an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention. Exemplary systems and methods are disclosed in the detailed description that provides a further description of the invention. The advantages provided by the various embodiments of the present invention may be better understood by reviewing the description.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 is a block diagram of a system for a free touch and true touch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary apparatus utilizing a system for a pre-touch and a true touch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
3A is a diagram illustrating a system for a free touch and a true touch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a system for a free touch and true touch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart of a method for a free touch and a true touch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a diagram of a system for a pre-touch and a true touch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for pre-touch and true-touch.

free  Touch and True  An exemplary touch Example

One exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a handheld device such as a mobile phone. Exemplary handheld devices include the Samsung Haptic phone with Immersion Corporation's TouchSense 3000, TouchSense 4000 or TouchSense 5000 vibration tactile feedback system, known as Immersion Corporation's VibeTonz® vibrotactile feedback system SCH-W420). In other embodiments, various handheld devices and haptic feedback systems may be used.

Exemplary handheld devices include a display, a speaker, a network interface, a memory, a cache, and a processor in communication with each of these elements. The exemplary handheld device also includes a touch sensing interface and a haptic effect generator, both of which communicate with the processor. The touch sensing interface is configured to sense interaction with a user's handheld device, and the haptic effect generator is configured to output a haptic effect. An exemplary, handheld device further includes a manipulandum configured to detect user interaction, such as a scroll wheel, a keyboard, or a button, and to send an interface signal associated with user interaction to the processor.

In an exemplary handheld device, the display is configured to display a graphical user interface to a user. The graphical user interface may include, for example, a virtual object such as an icon, a button, or a virtual keyboard. An exemplary handheld device further includes a touch sensitive interface mounted on top of the display, such as a touch screen. The touch sensitive interface enables a user to interact with a virtual object displayed in a graphical user interface. For example, the graphical user interface may include a virtual keyboard. In this embodiment, the touch detection interface allows the user to touch a key on the virtual keyboard to press that key. This function can be used to type a message, or otherwise interact with a virtual entity within the graphical user interface.

The exemplary handheld device further includes a haptic effect generator configured to receive the haptic signal and output a haptic effect. The haptic effect may include one of a variety of known haptic effects, such as, for example, vibrating, knocking, buzzing, jolting, or torquing a handheld device. In an exemplary handheld device, the haptic effect may act as an acknowledgment of the fact that the processor has received a signal associated with user interaction from a touch sensitive interface. For example, the graphical user interface may include a button, and the touch sensing interface may detect user interaction associated with pressing the button and transmit the interface signal to the processor. In response, the processor determines the haptic effect to confirm that the interface signal has been received. The processor then preloads the haptic signal associated with the haptic effect into the cache. The cache stores the haptic signal for a predetermined period, and transmits the haptic signal to a haptic effect generator that outputs the haptic effect.

In an exemplary handheld device, the touch sensitive interface or associated sensor may detect user interaction before the user touches the surface of the touch sensitive interface. User interaction that does not physically touch the touch screen is referred to herein as free touch. Based on the free-touch, the touch screen transmits a first interface signal to the processor. In the illustrated handheld device, the touch screen is also configured to detect when the user is in physical contact with the touch screen. User interaction in physical contact with the touch screen may be referred to herein as a true touch. Based on true touch, the touch screen transmits a second interface signal to the processor.

In the illustrated handheld device, when a processor receives a first interface signal associated with a pre-touch, the processor is configured to determine a haptic effect. The processor then sends a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to a cache configured to store the haptic signal. Then, when the processor receives a second interface signal associated with a true touch, the processor sends a signal to the cache, which causes the cache to transfer the haptic effect to the haptic effect generator. Using a cache to pre-load a haptic effect based on pre-touch and then output a true-touch based haptic effect is advantageous in that the illustrated handheld device outputs a haptic effect very close to the time the user is in physical contact with the touch screen I can do it. This feature reduces the risk of outputting a "late effect" after the user no longer touches the touch screen. This allows the illustrated handheld device to output stronger haptic effects than other devices known in the art.

These illustrated examples lead to the general topic discussed herein. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The following description describes various additional embodiments and examples of systems and methods for free and true touch.

free  Touch and True  Exemplary system for touch

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system for a pre-touch and a true touch according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes a portable device 102 such as a mobile phone, a portable digital assistant (PDA), a portable media player, a portable computer, a messaging device, or a portable game device. In some embodiments, the portable device 102 includes a large device such as, for example, a laptop or desktop computer, a television or a monitor. The handheld device 102 includes a network interface 112, a touch sensing interface 114, a display 116, a haptic effect generator 118, a speaker 120, a memory 122, a cache 124 and a sensor 126 Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 110 < / RTI > The processor 110 is configured to generate a graphical user interface as shown in the display 116.

 The processor 110 is configured to execute computer executable program instructions stored in the memory 122. For example, the processor 110 may perform one or more computer programs for generating or messaging haptic feedback. The processor 110 may include a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or state machines. The processor 110 may be a programmable logic controller (PLC), a programmable interrupt controller (PIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a programmable read only memory (PROM), an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM or EEPROM) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI > other similar device.

The memory 122 includes a computer readable medium that when executed by the processor 110 stores instructions that cause the processor 110 to perform various steps as described herein. Embodiments of computer readable media can include, but are not limited to, electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage devices that can store and provide computer 110 with computer-executable instructions. Examples of other media include, but are not limited to, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, a memory chip, a ROM, a RAM, an ASIC, a configured processor, any optical storage medium, any magnetic tape or other magnetic storage medium, But is not limited to, any other storage medium that can be read. The above-described processor 110 and processing may be of one or more structures and may be distributed of one or more structures.

The processor 110 communicates with the network interface 112. The network interface 112 may include one or more mobile communication methods such as infrared, wireless, Wi-Fi or wireless communication networks. In another variation, network interface 112 includes a wired network interface, such as Ethernet. The handheld device 102 may be configured to exchange messages or virtual message objects with other devices (not shown) over a network, such as a wireless network and / or the Internet. One embodiment of a message exchanged between the devices may include a voice message, a text message, a data message, or some other form of digital message.

In addition, the processor 110 communicates with one or more touch-sensitive interfaces 114. The touch-sensitive interface 114 may include a touch-sensitive input device (e.g., touch-screen, touch-pad) or other type of physical device known in the art. In some embodiments, the processor communicates with a single touch-sensitive interface 114. In another embodiment, the processor communicates with a plurality of touch-sensitive interfaces, such as, for example, a touch-screen and a touch-pad. The touch-sensitive interface 114 is configured to detect user interaction and to transmit an interface signal to the processor 110 based on user interaction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the processor 110 also communicates with the display 116. The processor 110 is configured to generate a graphical representation of the user interface to be displayed on the display 116 and then transmit the display signal to the display 116. [ In another embodiment, display 116 is configured to receive a display signal from another device. By way of example, in some embodiments, the display 116 may include an external display, such as a computer monitor. Display 116 is configured to receive a display signal and output an image associated with the display signal. In some embodiments, the display signal may include vga, hdmi, svga, video, s-video or any other type of display signal known in the art. In some embodiments, the display 116 includes a flat screen display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or plasma screen display. In another embodiment, the display 116 includes a cathode ray tube (CRT) or other type of display known in the art. In some embodiments, the display 116 may include a touch-sensitive interface 114. In this embodiment, the touch-sensitive interface 114 may include a touch-screen mounted on the display 116. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive interface 114 and the display 116 may include a single integrated component, such as a touch screen LCD.

In some embodiments, the signal received from the touch-sensitive interface 114 may be related to interaction with the graphical user interface shown on the display 116. [ For example, in one embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may include a touch screen, and the graphical user interface may include a virtual keyboard. In this embodiment, when the user interacts with a section of the touch screen that covers one of the keys of the keyboard, the touch screen transmits a signal corresponding to the user interaction to the processor 110. [ Based on this signal, the processor 110 determines that the user has pressed one of the keys on the virtual keyboard. In some embodiments, such functionality may be used to type messages such as text messages and e-mails. This embodiment additionally enables the user to interact with a virtual object or other icon on the display. For example, in some embodiments, the user may tap the touch screen to move the virtual ball or rotate the virtual handle on the touch screen. Although not shown in FIG. 1 in some embodiments, the handheld device may include additional operating devices such as a scroll wheel, a roller ball, or a button that assist in a similar interaction between the user and the graphical user interface.

The touch sensing interface 114 is configured to detect two types of user interaction. First, the touch sensing interface 114 is configured to detect a free touch. The pre-touch may include user interaction before the user makes physical contact with the touch sensing interface 114. [ In some embodiments, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a pre-touch when the user is in any interaction within a few centimeters, e.g., 3 centimeters, of its surface. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a pre-touch when the user is closer to the user interface, e.g., within 1/2 cm. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a pre-touch when the user contacts the touch sensing interface but does not apply pressure to the touch sensing interface 114. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a pre-touch when the user contacts the touch sensing interface 114 but below the critical surface area of the skin touches the touch sensing interface 114. For example, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a pre-touch when the user contacts the touch sensing interface 114 but the skin of 0.2 cm 2 or less contacts the touch sensing interface 114. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a pre-touch when the user has contacted the touch sensing interface 114 but the contact is not maintained for a critical time. For example, when the user contacts the touch sensing interface but is not in contact with the touch sensing interface 114 for 0.02 seconds. In some embodiments, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a pre-touch by detecting a change in capacitance. For example, in some embodiments, the touch sensing interface 114 may include a capacitive touch screen. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a pre-touch by detecting a change in resistance. For example, in this embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may include a resistive touch screen. When the touch sensing interface 114 detects a pre-touch, it transmits a first interface signal to the processor 110. [

In some embodiments, the processor 110 also communicates with one or more sensors 126. The sensor 126 may include a sensor configured to detect user interaction on the surface or display 116 of the touch sensitive interface 114, such as a user interaction involving a pre-touch. Based on this user interaction, the sensor 126 sends a corresponding sensor signal to the processor 110. [ The sensor 126 may include, for example, optical, infrared, motion sensors or other conventional sensors.

The touch sensing interface 114 is also configured to detect a true touch. The TrueTouch may include user interaction in physical contact with the touch sensing interface. For example, in one embodiment, TrueTouch occurs when a user places his or her finger on the surface of the touch sensitive interface 114. [ In such an embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 is configured to allow the skin, for example greater than 0.2 cm 2, to contact the touch sensing interface 114 when the threshold of the skin surface area in contact with the touch sensing interface 114 is traversed The true touch can be detected. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a pre-touch when the user first contacts the touch sensing interface 114. [ In such an embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a true touch when the user applies a predetermined amount of force, for example, a force of 0.2 N, to the touch sensing interface 114. In such an embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may further include a force sensor, such as a mechanical or pneumatic sensor. For example, in such an embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may include a capacitive touch screen configured to detect a pre-touch, and may further include a pressure sensor configured to detect a true touch. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may include a plurality of actuators, e.g., buttons or switches, and a touch screen. In such an embodiment, the button may be configured to detect a pre-touch, and the touch screen may be configured to detect a true touch. In another embodiment, the touch screen may be configured to detect a pre-touch, and the button may be configured to detect a true touch. When the touch sensing interface 114 detects a true touch, it transmits a second interface signal to the processor 110. [

As shown in FIG. 1, the processor 110 also communicates with the cache 124. The cache 124 is configured to receive the haptic signal from the processor 110 and to store or preload the haptic signal for a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the predetermined period is fixed to, for example, 10 ms. In another embodiment, the predetermined period is defined as the length of time between the free touch and the true touch. For example, in such an embodiment, the processor 110 sends a haptic signal to the cache 124 after the touch sensitive interface detects the pre-touch. The cache 124 then stores the haptic signal until the processor 110 receives the interface signal associated with the true touch from the touch sensitive interface 114. [ In some embodiments, the cache may include RAM, flash, memory such as ROM, or any other memory known in the art. In another embodiment, the cache 124 may comprise means for storing mechanical energy, e. G., A flywheel or spring. In such an embodiment, storing the haptic effect includes rotating the flywheel, and outputting the haptic effect includes applying a brake to the flywheel. In yet another embodiment, the cache and haptic effect generator may comprise a single component. In such an embodiment, preloading the haptic signal may include supplying power to the haptic effect generator to a level immediately below the point at which the haptic effect generator is able to sense the haptic effect. For example, in such an embodiment, preloading the haptic signal may include supplying power to an eccentric rotational mass actuator to a point immediately below the level required to break the static friction coefficient of the actuator motor. Further, in such an embodiment, transmitting the haptic signal may include causing the actuator to output a haptic effect, by providing additional power to the actuator. In such an embodiment, the additional power may comprise substantially the full power of the haptic signal. In some embodiments, the cache 124 may comprise a capacitor. In such an embodiment, preloading the haptic signal may include charging the capacitor with power that can be used to start the haptic effect generator. In another embodiment, the capacitor may be used to provide an energy boost or "overdrive" to a haptic effect generator that is already operating.

As shown in FIG. 1, the handheld device 102 includes one or more haptic effect generators 118. The processor 110 is configured to determine and preload the haptic effect or to transmit a haptic signal corresponding to the haptic effect to the cache 124. The cache 124 is configured to store the haptic signal for a predetermined period of time and then transmit the haptic signal to the haptic effect generator 118. The haptic effect generator 118 is configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect. In some embodiments, the haptic effect generator 118 is also configured to output a haptic effect after releasing the cache 124. For example, in some embodiments, the haptic effect generator 118 may continue to output the haptic effect until it emits a cache and thereafter receives a signal from the processor 110 to stop outputting the haptic effect. The haptic effect generator 118 may be implemented as, for example, a piezoelectric actuator, an electric motor, an electromagnetic actuator, a voice coil, a linear resonant actuator, a shape memory alloy, an electroactive polymer, a solenoid, an eccentric rotary mass motor (ERM), or a linear resonant actuator (LRA) Or the like. In another embodiment, the haptic effect generator 118 may comprise a static generator or electrostatic display configured to generate a haptic effect. For example, in such an embodiment, the haptic effect generator 118 may use a film of one or more capacitive sheets to output a periodic electrostatic charge, which forces a force that directs the user's finger to the surface of the haptic effect generator . For example, by creating a charge difference between the user's finger and the surface of the display or the surface of the touch sensitive interface 114. [ In some embodiments, such electrostatic power may be configured to control friction between a user ' s finger and a haptic effect generator. Such friction can simulate the texture on the surface of the display, or any other desired haptic effect.

In some embodiments, after detection of the pre-touch, the touch sensing interface 114 may not detect a true touch. In this embodiment, the processor 110 is configured to wait a predetermined period of time and then send a command to the cache 124 to slowly release the haptic effect so that no effect is perceived by the user of the device 100 . For example, the processor 110 may be configured to slowly discharge the content of the capacitor, to allow the speed of the flywheel to be reduced, or to delete the haptic signal stored in the memory. In this embodiment, the cache 124 is ejected without outputting a haptic effect.

As shown in FIG. 1, the processor 110 also communicates with the speaker 120. Speaker 120 is configured to receive an audio signal from processor 110 and output it to a user. In some embodiments, the audio signal may be associated with a haptic effect output by the haptic effect generator 118, or an image output by the display 116. In another embodiment, the audio signal may not correspond to a haptic effect or a picture.

Figure 2 is an exemplary handheld device using a system for pre-touch and true touch according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 includes a handheld device 200 such as a mobile phone, PDA, portable media player, global positioning system, or portable game device. The handheld device 200 is configured to transmit and receive signals, such as voice mail, text messages, and other data messages, etc., over a network, such as a cellular network or the Internet. The handheld device 200 may include a wireless network interface and / or a wired network interface (not shown in FIG. 2). The device 200 is shown as a self-contained device in Figure 2, but other embodiments may include other devices such as a video game system and / or a personal computer.

As shown in FIG. 2, the handheld device 200 includes a housing 202 and a display 206. In some embodiments, the display 206 may include an LCD display. In other embodiments, the display 206 may include a plasma display, or other type of display known in the art. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the display 206 is blank. However, the display 206 is configured to receive a display signal from the processor and output it to the user. For example, in some embodiments, these signals may include a graphical user interface. In this embodiment, the display 206 is configured to receive a display signal comprising a graphical user interface and output an image comprising a graphical user interface.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, the handheld device 200 further includes an operating device 214. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the operating device 214 includes a roller ball and a button. The handheld device 200 also includes a touch sensing interface 204. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the touch sensing interface includes a touch screen positioned on display 206. In some embodiments, the display 206 and the touch screen may include a single integrated component, such as a touch screen display.

The operating device 214 and the touch sensing interface 204 are configured to detect user interaction and transmit an interface signal corresponding to the user interaction to the processor. In some embodiments, user interaction is associated with the graphical user interface shown on the display 206. [ In this embodiment, the processor receives the interface signal and processes the graphical user interface based at least in part on the interface signal. For example, the user may press the virtual button displayed on the graphical user interface using the operating device 214 or the touch screen interface 204. [ In another embodiment, the user may navigate through a set of menus within the graphical user interface using the operating device 214 or the touch screen interface 204. [

The touch sensing interface 204 is configured to detect two types of user interaction. The first touch sensing interface 204 is configured to detect a free touch. The free-touch continues for a user interaction or critical time that does not allow the contact between the skin and the touch-sensing interface 204 to reach a predetermined critical area, before the user physically contacts the surface of the touch- And may include non-user interaction. For example, the touch sensing interface 204 may detect user interactions up to a few millimeters or a few centimeters above the surface of the touch sensing interface 204, or a user may contact the touch sensing interface 204, And may detect the free touch when in contact with the interface 204. [ The touch sensing interface 204 transmits a first interface signal to the processor when it senses the free touch. The touch sensitive screen 204 is also configured to detect a true touch. The true touch may include user interaction in physical contact with the surface of the touch sensitive interface. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 204 may detect a true touch when the skin of a predetermined threshold area is in contact with the touch sensing interface 204. For example, when the user places a finger on the surface of the touch screen, or when the touch screen touches the skin of more than 0.2 cm 2. When the touch sensing interface 204 detects a true touch, it sends a second interface signal to the processor.

In some embodiments, the free-touch and true-touch may be interpreted as two thresholds detected by the touch-sensing interface 204. For example, in one embodiment, the touch sensing interface 204 includes a capacitive touch screen. In this embodiment, the touch sensing interface 204 may detect a pre-touch when it detects the first capacitance. Also, in this embodiment, the touch sensitive screen 204 may detect a true touch when detecting a second capacitance that is greater or less than the first capacitance. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 204 may include a resistive touch screen. In this embodiment, the touch sensing interface 204 may detect a pre-touch when detecting the first resistance. Further, in this embodiment, the touch sensing interface 204 can detect a true touch by detecting a second resistance that is greater or smaller than the first capacitance. In another embodiment, the threshold may be a different type, e.g., voltage, current, magnetic, temperature or data based threshold.

When the processor receives the first interface signal associated with the pre-touch, the processor 110 determines the haptic effect. Next, the processor sends a haptic signal to the cache (not shown in FIG. 2) configured to preload the haptic effect. Then, when the processor receives the second interface signal associated with TrueTouch, the processor sends the signal to the cache. Upon receiving this signal, the cache sends the haptic signal to a haptic effect generator (not shown in FIG. 2) configured to output a haptic effect. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 204 communicates directly with the cache. In this embodiment, the touch sensing interface 204 is configured to transmit signals related to true touch directly to the cache.

In some embodiments, after detecting the pre-touch, the touch sensing interface 204 may never detect a true touch. In such an embodiment, the processor may be configured to wait for a predetermined period of time and then send a command to the cache to slowly effect the haptic effect. For example, it gradually shifts the content of the capacitor, slowly decelerates the speed of the flywheel, or deletes the haptic signal stored in the memory. In this embodiment, the cache is implemented without outputting the haptic effect.

3A illustrates a system for a free touch and a true touch according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3A shows a portable device 300 such as a cell phone, PDA, portable media player, or portable game machine. The handheld device 300 is configured to transmit and receive signals, such as voice mail, text messages, and other data messages, over a network such as a cellular network or the Internet. The handheld device 300 includes a wireless network interface (not shown in FIG. 3A) and / or a wired network interface. Although device 300 is shown as a self-contained device in Figure 3A, other embodiments may include other devices such as a video game system and / or a personal computer.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the handheld device 300 includes a housing 302 and a display 316. In some embodiments, the display 316 may include an LCD display. In other embodiments, the display 316 may include a plasma display or other type of display known in the art. Display 316 is configured to receive display signals from the processor and output those signals to a user. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the display 316 includes a graphical user interface including a QWERTY keyboard, heart, and text box.

3A, the portable device 300 further includes a touch sensing interface 314. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the touch sensing interface 314 includes a touch screen located above the display 316. The touch screen, shown in FIG. The touch sensing interface 314 is configured to detect two types of user interfaces and to transmit an interface signal corresponding to the user interface to the processor 110. [ The first touch sensing interface 314 is configured to detect a free touch. The free-touch may include a user interface before the user makes physical contact with the surface of the touch-sensitive interface 314. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the user's finger 304 moves toward the touch sensing interface 314. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the touch sensing interface 314 may detect the user interface before the user's finger 304 physically contacts the touch sensing interface 314. For example, in some embodiments, the touch sensing interface 314 can detect a user's finger 304 when the user's finger is at a few millimeters just above the surface of the touch sensitive interface 314, e.g., 5 millimeters have. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 314 may detect the user's finger 304 within a few centimeters above the surface of the touch sensing interface 314, for example, within 5 cm. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 314 may detect a pre-touch when a user touches the touch sensing interface 314, not when an area smaller than the skin's critical area contacts the touch sensing interface 314 . In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface may detect a pre-touch when the touch sensing interface senses user interaction for less than a critical time period, e.g., less than 0.02 seconds. When the touch sensing interface 314 detects a pre-touch, the touch sensing interface transmits a first interface signal to the processor 110. [

When the processor 110 receives the first interface signal relating to the pre-touch, the processor 110 determines the haptic effect. Next, the processor 110 transmits the haptic signal to a cache (not shown in FIG. 3A) configured to preload the haptic signal. In some embodiments, the cache may include memory such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or any other type of memory known in the art. In this embodiment, preloading the haptic signal comprises storing the haptic signal in a memory. In another embodiment, the cache may comprise a battery, a capacitor, an inductor, or some other energy storage means. In this embodiment, preloading the haptic signal includes storing the energy required to generate the haptic effect. In another embodiment, the cache may comprise means for storing mechanical energy, such as a flywheel or spring. In this embodiment, preloading the haptic signal may include rotating the flywheel or preloading the spring. In yet another embodiment, the cache may include the haptic effect generator itself. In this embodiment, preloading the haptic signal includes powering the haptic effect generator to a point below the point where the user can feel the haptic effect. For example, preloading the haptic signal may include driving the haptic effect generator to a point directly below the power that breaks the static friction coefficient in the haptic effect generator. In this embodiment, transmitting the haptic signal may include causing the haptic effect generator to output a haptic effect, by providing additional power to the haptic effect generator. In this embodiment, the additional power may comprise the substantially maximum power of the haptic signal.

3B illustrates a free touch and true touch system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3b also includes a side view of the handheld device 300 also shown in Figure 3a. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the user's finger 304 is in physical contact with the touch sensing interface 314. When the user's finger 304 physically contacts the touch sensing interface 314, the touch sensing interface detects a true touch. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 314 may not detect a true touch until a particular critical area of skin contacts the touch sensing interface 314. For example, when the area over 2 cm 2 is in contact with the touch sensing interface 314. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 314 may detect a true touch when the user makes contact with the touch sensing interface 314 for a period of time that is greater than a critical time period, e.g., 0.02 seconds. When the touch sensing interface detects a true touch, the touch sensing interface transmits a second interface signal to the processor 110. [

When the processor 110 receives the second interface signal, the processor 110 sends a signal to the cache that the cache is configured to send the haptic signal to the haptic effect generator, after which the haptic effect generator outputs the haptic signal. In an embodiment where the cache includes memory, transmitting the haptic signal comprises transmitting the haptic signal to the haptic effect generator. In an embodiment in which the cache includes an energy storage device such as a battery, inductor, or capacitor, transmitting the haptic signal comprises outputting energy to the haptic effect generator. In an embodiment in which the cache includes a flywheel, transmitting the haptic signal comprises transmitting the signal with a brake configured to slow down the haptic effect generator and outputting the torque to the handheld device. In an embodiment wherein the cache includes a haptic effect generator, transmitting the haptic signal to the haptic effect generator includes activating the haptic effect generator with the power necessary to generate the haptic effect.

In some embodiments, after detecting the pre-touch, the touch sensing interface 314 can not detect true touch. In this embodiment, the processor 110 is configured to wait a predetermined period of time, and then can send a command to the cache that slowly emits the haptic effect. For example, slowly release the content of the capacitor, slow down the speed of the flywheel, or slowly erase the haptic signal stored in the memory. In this embodiment, the cache is released without outputting the haptic effect.

free  Touch and True  About Touch Description Example

4 is a flowchart of a method of a free touch and true touch according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 400 shown in FIG. 4 is described with reference to the system shown in FIG. The method 400 begins 402 when a processor 110 configured to detect a user interaction and transmit an interface signal based at least in part on user interaction receives a signal from the touch sensitive interface 114, . In some embodiments, the touch sensing interface 114 includes a touchpad or a display screen. In some embodiments, the touch sensing interface 114 is mounted on top of the display. The touch detection interface 114 is configured to detect two types of user interaction, free touch, and true touch. The free touch may include user interaction on the surface of the touch sensing interface 114 that is not in contact with the surface of the touch sensing interface 114. For example, in one embodiment, a user may use a touch sensitive interface to interact with a physical keyboard. In this embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a pre-touch when the user's finger is several millimeters above the surface of the touch screen, for example, 5 millimeters or less. As another example embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect from the surface additional user interaction, e.g., when the user interaction is greater than 3 centimeters. Further, in another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a free touch when detecting a user contact that does not last for a critical period of time, for example, less than 0.02 seconds. Further, in another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a pre-touch when detecting a user contact, but an area less than the critical area of the skin, e.g., less than 0.2 cm2 of the skin, 114).

Next, the touch sensing interface 114 transmits a second interface signal and the processor 110 receives a second interface signal (404). The touch sensing interface 114 is configured to transmit a second interface signal to the processor 110 based on at least a portion of the true touch. The true touch may include user interaction when the user is physically located between the user and the true sensing interface, for example when the user is positioned on the surface of the touch sensing interface. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 is not able to detect a true touch until any critical area of skin has contacted the touch sensing interface 114. For example, when an area greater than 0.2 cm 2 is in contact with the touch sensing interface 114. In another embodiment, the touch sensing interface 114 may detect a true touch when the user contacts the touch sensing interface 114, for example, for a critical period of time greater than 0.02 seconds.

The processor 110 then determines the haptic effect based at least in part on the first interface signal 406. For example, in one embodiment, the processor 110 may perform a series of algorithms to determine an appropriate haptic effect. In another embodiment, the processor 110 may use a look-up table to determine the haptic effect. The haptic effect may be generated by one of the haptic effects known in the art, for example, vibration, torque, knocking, clicking, or generating a texture or friction A haptic effect configured to < / RTI >

Next, the processor 110 pre-loads (408) the haptic effect associated haptic effect into the cache 124 configured to store the haptic signal for a period of time. In some embodiments, the time period is fixed to a time of, for example, 10 ms. In another embodiment, the time period may be longer than 10 ms or may be fixed to a shorter time period. In another embodiment, the time period is limited to the length of time between the free touch and the true touch. For example, in some embodiments, the processor 110 sends a haptic signal to the cache 124 after the touch detection interface detects a pre-touch. The cache 124 then stores the haptic signal until the processor 110 receives the interface signal associated with the true touch from the touch detection interface 114. In some embodiments, the cache may include a memory such as RAM, flash, ROM, which may be comprised of a processor or some other memory known in the industry. In another embodiment, the cache 124 may include means for storing mechanical energy, e.g., a spring or flywheel. In this embodiment, storing the haptic effect includes rotating the flywheel, and outputting the haptic effect includes applying a brake to the flywheel. In yet another embodiment, the cache and haptic effect generators may comprise a single part. In this embodiment, preloading the haptic signal may include powering the haptic effect generator to a level just below the point where the haptic effect generator outputs a perceptible haptic effect. For example, in this embodiment, preloading the haptic signal may include powering the haptic effect generator to a point directly below the level needed to block the static friction coefficient of the haptic effect generator.

Finally, the cache 124 sends a haptic signal to the haptic effect generator 118 configured to output the haptic effect (410). In some embodiments, the cache 124 sends a haptic signal to the haptic effect generator 118 after receiving the second interface signal from the touch detection interface 114. For example, the touch detection interface 114 detects a true touch. In some embodiments, the haptic effect generator 118 may include a piezoelectric actuator, an electric motor, an electromagnetic actuator, a voice coil, a linear resonant actuator, a shape memory alloy, an electroactive polymer, a solenoid, an eccentric rotary mass motor (ERM) (LRA). In some embodiments, the cache may receive a signal from the processor 110, which may be based on the signal transmitting a haptic signal to the haptic effect generator. In another embodiment, the cache may be in communication with the touch detection interface 114. In this embodiment, the touch detection interface may transmit a second interface signal associated with the true contact to the cache. In this embodiment, when the cache receives the second interface signal, it will send a haptic signal to the haptic effect generator.

In embodiments where the cache includes various components, the step of transmitting the haptic signal may include various operations. For example, in an embodiment where the cache includes memory, transmitting the haptic signal may include transmitting the haptic signal to the haptic effect generator. In one embodiment in which the cache includes an energy storage device such as a battery, an inductor, or a capacitor, the step of transmitting the haptic signal comprises outputting energy to the haptic effect generator. In one embodiment in which the cache includes a flywheel, transmitting the haptic signal comprises sending a signal to a brake configured to slow down the haptic effect generator to output a torque on the device. In one embodiment where the cache includes a haptic effect generator, transmitting the haptic signal to the haptic effect generator includes activating the haptic effect generator at a power required to generate the haptic effect.

free  Touch and True  An example of a system for touch Example

5 is an illustration of a system for a free touch and a true touch according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 includes a system 500 configured to be mounted inside a housing of a portable device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. System 500 is configured to receive a haptic signal from processor 110 and output a haptic effect in response thereto. The system 500 includes a shaft 502 and an actuator 518 coupled to the flywheel 504. The system 500 further includes a braking mechanism 506 and a brake 508 configured to stop the flywheel.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the processor 110 receives the first interface signal associated with the pre-touch, the processor 110 will determine the haptic effect. The processor 110 will then preload the haptic signal into a cache configured to store the haptic signal. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the cache includes a flywheel 504, and preloading the cache includes rotating the flywheel 504. Thus, when the processor 110 sends or preloads a haptic signal to the cache, the actuator 518 rotates the shaft 502, which then rotates the flywheel 504. The actuator 518 may be configured to slowly accelerate the flywheel 504 to a constant speed to prevent significant torque build-up on the device.

When the processor 110 receives the second interface signal associated with the true touch from the touch sensing interface, the processor 110 transmits the second signal to the breaking mechanism 506. [ In response, the breaking mechanism 506 pulls the brake 508 against the flywheel 504 to decelerate the flywheel 504. When the flywheel 504 is decelerated, it outputs a torque on the housing on which the actuator 518 is mounted. The strength of the torque relates to how fast the flywheel 504 is decelerated. Thus, the braking mechanism 506 may be configured to apply varying pressure on the flywheel 508 to provide a varying level of torque. For example, the processor 110 may determine a weak haptic effect. In this embodiment, the braking mechanism can slightly reduce the flywheel 504 to output a minimum torque. In another embodiment, the processor 110 may determine a strong haptic effect. In such an embodiment, the braking mechanism can decelerate the flywheel and completely stop it before one revolution to output a very strong torque.

free  Touch and True  Advantages of the system for touch

The systems and methods of free and true touch offer many advantages. For example, the systems and methods of the pre-touch and true touch allow the device to output a more powerful haptic effect because the device has a faster output of the haptic effect. This reduces the risk that the user has already removed their finger from the device when the effect is output. In addition, the systems and methods of the free touch and true touch provide greater flexibility in component selection within the haptic device. For example, a slower processor may be used because the system using the pre-touch and true touch systems and methods after the user stops touching the system is less at risk of outputting the haptic effect. Similarly, a less powerful haptic effect generator may be required, since the pre-touch and true touch systems and methods require lower acceleration from the haptic effect generator to generate the haptic effect in time. All of these advantages can lead to greater satisfaction and faster adoption of devices including free touch and true touch systems and methods.

General Considerations

The use of " aligned "or" comprising " herein denotes an open and inclusive representation that does not exclude devices configured or configured to perform additional tasks or steps. Also, the use of "based on" indicates that the process, step, operation, or other measure based on one or more of the listed conditions or values may be an additional condition or value beyond what is practically listed. The title, list, and numbering included herein are for ease of description and not limitation.

Embodiments in accordance with aspects of the subject matter may be implemented in a digital network, in computer hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the computer may comprise one processor or processors. A processor includes or connects to a computer-readable medium, such as random access memory (RAM), coupled to the processor. The processor may execute computer executable program instructions stored in memory, such as executing one or more computer programs, including sensor sampling routines, haptic effect selection routines, and appropriate programming to generate signals to generate the selected haptic effects described above do.

Such a processor may include a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGAs), and a state machine. Such a processor may be a program such as a PLC, a programmable interrupt controller (PICs), a programmable logic device (PLDs), programmable read only memory (PROMs), electronically programmable read only memory (EPROMs or EEPROMs) Capable electronic device.

Such a processor includes a medium, e.g., a type of computer readable medium, which when executed by a processor, is capable of storing instructions that cause the processor to perform the steps described herein, performed or supported by the processor Or communicate with them. An embodiment of the computer readable medium may include any electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage device capable of providing a processor with computer readable instructions, such as a processor at a web server, It does not. Other examples of media include, but are not limited to, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, a memory chip, a ROM, a RAM, an ASIC, a configured processor, any optical storage medium, any magnetic tape or other magnetic storage medium, But is not limited to, any other storage medium that can be read by a computer. The described processor and processing may be in one or more configurations and may be distributed in one or more configurations. A processor may include code for performing one or more methods (or portions of methods) described herein.

While the subject matter has been described in detail with respect to a specific embodiment thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can readily make modifications, variations and equivalents of such embodiments upon understanding the foregoing. Accordingly, it is to be understood that this disclosure is for purposes of explanation rather than limitation, and is not intended to be restrictive, inclusive, suchmodifications, modifications and / or additions to the present subject matter which will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (23)

A touch sensing interface configured to detect a first user interaction and to transmit a first interface signal based at least in part on the first user interaction; and the touch sensing interface detects a second user interaction and at least partially Wherein the second user interaction comprises physical contact with the touch sensitive interface and wherein the first user interaction includes user interaction prior to physical contact -
A processor configured to receive the first interface signal and at least partially determine a haptic effect based on the first interface signal, wherein the processor is further configured to preload the haptic signal associated with the haptic effect, A processor,
A cache configured to communicate with the processor and store the preloaded haptic signal and to transmit the haptic signal upon receipt of the second interface signal;
A haptic effect generator configured to communicate with the cache, receive the haptic signal from the cache, and output a haptic effect based at least in part on the haptic signal
system. The method according to claim 1,
The touch sensing interface includes a touch screen
system. delete delete delete The method according to claim 1,
The cache stores the haptic signal for a predetermined period of time, and the predetermined period is a time period between a user interaction detection and a physical contact detection
system. delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the cache stores the haptic signal for a predetermined period of time,
system. The method according to claim 1,
The cache includes a memory
system. The method according to claim 1,
The cache includes one of a capacitor, an inductor, or a battery.
system. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the cache includes a flywheel,
Wherein storing the haptic signal comprises rotating the flywheel
system. 12. The method of claim 11,
Further comprising a flywheel brake,
Wherein outputting the haptic effect comprises slowing down the flywheel
system. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a sensor configured to detect user interaction on a surface of the touch-sensitive interface and to transmit a sensor signal corresponding to the user interaction to the processor
system. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the sensor comprises one of an optical sensor, an infrared sensor or a motion sensor
system. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a housing configured to receive a processor, a cache, and a haptic effect generator
system. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the housing comprises a housing
system. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the haptic effect generator is configured to output a haptic effect onto the housing
system. A method for generating a haptic effect,
Receiving a first interface signal from a touch sensing interface configured to detect a first user interaction and at least partially transmit an interface signal based on the first user interaction,
Receiving a second interface signal from the touch-sensitive interface, the second interface signal being based at least in part on the second user interaction, and the second user interaction being in physical contact with the touch- Wherein the first user interaction includes user interaction prior to physical contact,
Determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the first interface signal;
Preloading a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect into a cache configured to store the haptic signal;
And transmitting the haptic signal to a haptic effect generator configured to output the haptic effect upon receiving the second interface signal
Haptic effect generation method. delete 19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein the cache is configured to store the haptic signal for a predetermined period of time, the predetermined period of time being a period of time between detecting a user interaction and detecting a physical contact
Haptic effect generation method. delete delete A computer-readable recording medium storing processor executable program code,
A program code for receiving a first interface signal from a touch sensing interface configured to detect a first user interaction and configured to at least partially transmit a first interface signal based on the first user interaction;
Wherein the second interface signal is based at least in part on the second user interaction, and wherein the second user interaction is physically associated with the touch sensing interface, the program code for receiving a second interface signal from the touch sensing interface, Wherein the first user interaction includes user interaction prior to physical contact,
Program code for determining a haptic effect based at least in part on an interface signal,
Program code for preloading a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect into a cache configured to store the haptic signal;
And upon receipt of the second interface signal, program code for transmitting the stored haptic signal to a haptic effect generator configured to output the haptic effect
Computer readable recording medium.

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